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All things health and fitness in 2018

Cough mixture, eye drops, laxatives and sun creams are among the products that will no longer be routinely prescribed.

The proposals to rein in prescriptions for medicines for minor conditions, which the NHS said will save millions of pounds every year, received "broad support" in a public consultation, members heard.

Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said: "Across the NHS our aim is to: 'Think like a patient, act like a taxpayer'.

"The NHS is probably the most efficient health service in the world, but we're determined to keep pushing further.

"Every pound we save from cutting waste is another pound we can then invest in better A&E care, new cancer treatments and much better mental health services."

More than 60% of respondents to the consultation agreed that over-the-counter products should not be prescribed for a range of minor conditions, board papers show.

Changes to prescriptions are on the way (Image: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire)

The changes will not affect prescriptions for long-term or complex conditions, or where minor illnesses are a symptom of something more serious.

Vulnerable patients will also continue to receive prescriptions for over-the-counter items, provided they are proven to be effective.

Treatments for constipation, cold sores, conjunctivitis, mild indigestion, dandruff, haemorrhoids, infant colic, minor burns and scalds and minor pain conditions such as headache and backache are among those which will not be routinely prescribed.

Remedies for mouth ulcers, nappy rash, ringworm, athlete's foot, head lice, mild toothache, travel sickness, and warts and verrucae have also been dropped, as well as some vitamins and minerals.